Introduction
In a pivotal move for international environmental cooperation, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Egypt’s Ministry of Environment, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) jointly launched the “Reduce It” campaign on June 1, 2025. This initiative is designed to address the pressing issue of single-use plastic bag consumption in Egypt and to serve as a model for sustainable transitions worldwide. Through regulatory action, awareness campaigns, and international support, the campaign marks a major milestone in the global effort to reduce plastic pollution.
The ‘Reduce It’ Campaign: Objectives, Regulations, and Vision
The “Reduce It” campaign is a high-impact initiative targeting the excessive use of single-use plastic bags in Egypt. Supported by Japanese funding and technical guidance, it brings together public institutions, private stakeholders, and international experts.
Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, outlined that the campaign includes developing technical standards for sustainable packaging, supporting local industry in producing alternatives, and launching public awareness drives through short films and educational outreach. UNIDO’s Regional Representative, Dr. Patrick Gilabert, highlighted that this program directly supports Egypt’s National Strategy to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Bags, integrating circular economy principles into Egypt’s plastics industry and value chain.
Legislative Framework:
The campaign operates under Egypt’s Waste Management Law No. 202 of 2020 and its associated decrees. Key regulatory elements include:
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Manufacturers and importers must register with the National Waste Management Information System, provide quarterly product reports, and contribute financially to responsible waste management.
Targets: The campaign aims to reduce per capita consumption of single-use plastic bags to 100 per year by 2025, and to 50 per year by 2030.
Monitoring & Enforcement: Authorities will monitor compliance and may impose penalties for violations, ensuring real progress toward national and international environmental commitments.
This robust legal foundation is critical for achieving tangible results and ensuring that efforts go beyond symbolic gestures to drive systemic change.
Anticipated Impact and Global Relevance
The “Reduce It” initiative is expected to have transformative effects, not only in Egypt but also as a model for other nations seeking to meet their plastic reduction commitments.
Expected Outcomes Include:
Substantial reduction in the production and use of single-use plastic bags.
Increased adoption of environmentally friendly packaging solutions across retail, hospitality, and industry sectors.
Elevated public consciousness regarding the dangers of plastic pollution and the benefits of sustainable alternatives.
Enhanced alignment with global agreements, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).
The collaborative nature of this campaign—with Japan providing funding, technical support, and international best practices—demonstrates the potential of cross-border partnerships to drive real, scalable change.
Strategic Recommendations for Enterprises
As Egypt and other nations strengthen their environmental regulations, businesses must evolve to remain compliant and competitive. The following recommendations can help enterprises thrive under the new regulatory landscape:
Product Adjustment and Innovation
Eco-Friendly Materials: Develop products using biodegradable, compostable materials such as paper, bamboo, or other plant-based fibers. Replace single-use plastics with alternatives like kraft paper bags.
Reusable Solutions: Design products intended for multiple uses, supporting a circular economy and reducing waste.
Compliance and Certification
Environmental Certifications: Obtain necessary eco-certifications (e.g., FSC, CE, compostability labels) to ensure market access and build consumer trust.
Legislative Monitoring: Establish internal processes to track regulatory changes and proactively update products and operations as needed.
Supply Chain Optimization
Sustainable Sourcing: Partner with suppliers who uphold high environmental standards, ensuring sustainability across the supply chain.
Traceability: Implement transparent systems for tracking materials, production, and end-of-life management.
Brand and Market Transformation
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Publicly commit to sustainability through reporting, partnerships, and community engagement.
Consumer Education: Inform customers about the environmental benefits of new product lines to encourage adoption and build loyalty.
By adopting these strategies, businesses can not only comply with new laws but also position themselves as leaders in the global transition to sustainable packaging.
Expert Insights: International Perspectives on Plastic Reduction
Experts and global leaders have emphasized the critical importance of coordinated, science-based action in reducing single-use plastics.
Dr. Patrick Gilabert (UNIDO Regional Representative):
“The ‘Reduce It’ campaign is a cornerstone project for Egypt’s circular economy ambitions. By engaging industry and the public, and leveraging Japan’s experience in sustainable development, Egypt is taking a leading role in addressing plastic pollution across Africa and the Middle East.”
Ambassador Fumio Iwai (Japanese Ambassador to Egypt):
“Japan’s support for Egypt’s plastic reduction efforts is grounded in our national success at reducing plastic consumption. We see this collaboration as a benchmark for sustainable progress and international partnership.”
Professor Jenna Jambeck (University of Georgia, renowned global waste expert):
“Initiatives like ‘Reduce It’ are essential for catalyzing systemic change. Combining regulation, market incentives, and public awareness is the only way to meaningfully curb the environmental impacts of plastic waste.”
Bioleader Kraft Paper Bags: Sustainable Solutions for a Plastic-Free Future
As governments worldwide—including Egypt and Japan through the recent “Reduce It” campaign—implement stricter regulations on single-use plastics, Bioleader’s kraft paper bags offer a proven, compliant, and market-ready alternative to conventional plastic bags.
Key Features of Bioleader Kraft Paper Bags
100% Biodegradable & Compostable:
Bioleader kraft paper bags are made from FSC-certified natural fibers, ensuring they decompose safely in natural environments without leaving harmful residues.High Strength & Durability:
Our kraft bags are engineered to handle a wide range of weights and contents, making them suitable for grocery, retail, takeaway, and food packaging applications.Moisture and Grease Resistance:
Special eco-friendly coatings can be applied to enhance moisture and oil resistance, ensuring product protection without sacrificing compostability.Customizable & Brandable:
Bioleader provides a full range of sizes, handle options, and branding solutions—including water-based inks and embossing—to help your business communicate its sustainability commitment.Regulatory Compliance:
Designed and tested to comply with international food contact and packaging regulations, Bioleader kraft bags are fully aligned with plastic reduction mandates in markets like Egypt, Japan, the EU, and beyond.
Environmental Commitment & Corporate Responsibility
Bioleader is committed to advancing a circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of packaging waste. By adopting kraft paper bags, our partners can:
Proactively meet emerging legislative requirements on plastic reduction and extended producer responsibility (EPR).
Strengthen their corporate sustainability profile and consumer trust.
Contribute to broader societal goals such as pollution reduction, climate action, and biodiversity protection.
At Bioleader, we believe that every bag counts in the journey toward a cleaner planet. We continually invest in material innovation, process optimization, and supply chain transparency to deliver solutions that are both environmentally sound and economically competitive.
Choose Bioleader kraft paper bags—where sustainable packaging meets real-world performance. Together, we can lead the transition away from single-use plastics and shape a more sustainable future.
FAQ
Q1: What is the ‘Reduce It’ campaign?
A1: It is a collaborative initiative by JICA, Egypt’s Ministry of Environment, and UNIDO to reduce single-use plastic bag usage through policy, awareness, and industry support.
Q2: How will the campaign affect businesses?
A2: Businesses will need to reduce plastic bag usage, comply with new regulations, and adopt sustainable alternatives like kraft paper bags to maintain market access.
Q3: What alternatives to plastic bags are recommended?
A3: Alternatives include biodegradable and compostable bags such as Bioleader’s kraft paper bags, as well as reusable cloth or nonwoven bags.
Q4: Are Bioleader’s kraft paper bags compliant with new regulations?
A4: Yes. Bioleader kraft paper bags meet international regulatory standards and are fully aligned with plastic reduction mandates in countries like Egypt and Japan.
Q5: How can consumers support plastic reduction efforts?
A5: By choosing reusable or biodegradable bags, supporting sustainable brands, and participating in local environmental initiatives.
Conclusion
The launch of the “Reduce It” campaign by Japan, Egypt, and UNIDO marks a critical turning point in the global fight against plastic pollution. As nations enact stricter regulations and drive public awareness, enterprises have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to lead with sustainable solutions. Bioleader’s kraft paper bags exemplify the kind of practical, eco-friendly innovation that can help both businesses and society transition to a greener, plastic-free future.
References
Samar Samir. “Update: Egypt Launches ‘Reduce It’ Campaign to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Bags.” Egypt Today, June 1, 2025.
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/140518/Update-Egypt-Launches-%E2%80%98Reduce-It%E2%80%99-Campaign-to-Reduce-Single-Use“Egypt launches campaign to curb single-use plastic pollution amid global climate push.” Daily News Egypt, June 1, 2025.
https://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2025/06/01/egypt-launches-campaign-to-curb-single-use-plastic-pollution-amid-global-climate-push/“Egypt launches campaign to combat single-use plastic bags.” Xinhua, June 2, 2025.
https://english.news.cn/africa/20250602/28fef610f4b34ede92a2f437f7b9e099/c.html“Egypt Tackles Plastic Pollution With New Manufacturer Responsibility Regulations.” Business Monthly Egypt, March 25, 2025.
https://businessmonthlyeg.com/egypt-tackles-plastic-pollution-with-new-manufacturer-responsibility-regulations/“Guidance Strategy: Reducing Single-Use Plastic Bags (SUPB) Consumption in Egypt.” CEDARE, July 2020.
https://new.cedare.org/new.cedare.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Guidance-Strategy-Reducing-Single-Use-Plastic-Bags-SUPB-Consumption-in-Egypt.pdf“Plastic circular economy.” UNIDO.
https://www.unido.org/plastic-circular-economy“Plastic bag ban.” Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_bag_ban
